Followers

Friday, October 30, 2009

I like to see a strong 2 +1 party system in the country. A strong BN, a strong PR and a third block that is totally independent of the two. The third block consists of MPs who votes independently in parliament base not on party lines, but on conscience. They can swing either way.

I am happy that UMNO and now MCA (on the way) is more united and is on the mend, and not happy that MIC has yet to rejuvenate itself while GERAKAN seems seen better days.

I like to see a DAP-PKR merger and a stronger pact within the opposition. Unfortunately I don’t see the two parties trusting each other enough to even take tiny steps there.

I am for Tok Guru’s act to call for an EGM to once and for all push PAS to commit deeper into a PR coalition, but unfortunately it has been blocked.

But, I will be glad if some oldies were to make way for the new – like Samy Velu, Tok Guru and Kit Siang. Kit Siang is no more a ‘Kid’ and ‘Siang’ may become ‘Malam’ if he continues. He has contributed a lot the Malaysia’s opposition, now he should be an elder statesman. Samy should trust his brother Indians better and let go. Tok Guru be a mentor.

I prefer not an UMNO-PAS unity. I prefer an UMNO that is open to all races. Or better still …

I like to see a BN and PR direct membership in the near future.

I am not happy that Zaid is no longer working for a single PR platform. I don’t see Anwar as able to forge this and was hoping Zaid could.

I wish that since March 2008 the leaders of PR component parties focused their energy here instead of trying to take over the Government.

I think they have lost their chance and things will go downhill pretty fast in the near future.

I have been suggesting in my talks and chats that in 3 years Najib will checkmate Anwar and the swing of votes will favor BN in a big way – they will get back the 2/3 majority. Simply because Najib is by far smarter, better skilled at group-to-group leadership and definitely a marketing genius in creating the 1Malaysia brand image (I have clients launching their 2010 company battle-cry using the 1(name of company) logo!!!)

Penang will be back in BN’s hands too.

RPK will be pro BN or at least abandoned PR.

Many other pro PR blogs will also abandon ship or at least be neutral.

Malaysia would have lost our one chance to have a more balance political front on both sides of the fence but ...

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Here is an interesting feedback emailed to me regarding the Deepavali advert. We do get various feedback and i usually write back without posting it. But this one, perhaps I should share ...His Email - The article under the title " Have a meaningful Deepavali" advertised by Zubedy will in no way add value. It is because the whole article is written by a person with half-baked ideas. He does not seem to have full knowledge of what he is writing. It will not create empathy unless one who reads it is apathetic. In fact, the whole article is a farce, written under the pretext of peace-loving citizen. It back-fires and creates backlash. I do not see any relevance in printing the picture of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy. He is a well-known reformer, well-known critic of Hindu religion, idol worship, and an atheist. He was not in the habit of celebrating Deepavali.The writer does not seem to know about Hinduism either. Perhaps a certain sect in Hinduism does not prefer to eat beef. But Hinduism does not prohibit eating beef. In Vedas, there are "slogans" asking Hindus to serve beef and intoxicating drinks.

The writer shows true colours when he says "we blast" 'ceramahs' after midnight prayers on loud speakers". Perhaps, one in a thousand mosques, it might happen and that too in areas where only malays reside. Know your facts before you fire. This spoils the purpose of the whole article.My replySalam bro,

On the contrary, I know of all the facts you commented below especially abt Periyar. It is just the Hindus are generally more liberal people who can accept him as part of them – because while he is against religion, he practice it better than those who profess to. In fact I have so many Hindus who called, emailed, sms, facebook, etc thanking me for featuring him.

And no, the ceramah’s are everywhere, just go check the police reports ( but no action lah). In Selangor/KL alone I know of more than 20 mesjids and suraus jolly doing it. And for Muslims sake too, they should not coz Muslim students should concentrate on doing their homework and READ ( the first word of Quranic revelation.)

In the first place there is no such thing as Hinduism. It is a new name evolved after the British occupation and more so since the 19th century. The term is a foreign concept – basically came from the word Hindi, a Persian name for India in the 12 th century. Perhaps the correct way to call the religion is Sanatana Dharma. It is a mosaic of hundreds if not thousands of ‘way of lives’ – and ‘Hinduism’ absorbs all of them – it’s a very sponge like religion.

Vegetarianism for example was a Jain influence. You see, Sanatana Dharma it is an evolving religion that started perhaps more than 5000 years ago. Many ‘silly’ souls ( usually in the form of Muslim and Christian chauvinists) will find a quote from some Hindu text that was written before the Jain influenced to suggest that Hinduism does not prescribe the act to shun meat eating. Poor souls…

Since it is a liberal religion, if a Hindu man chose to eat beef, by all means he can go ahead. As far for the Hindu is concern, he will just delay reaching moksha. No priest or ulama is going to cane him or fined him.

There are some Muslim sect and even Ulama who still think that the world is flat, it would be wrong to suggest that the rest think the same way. There will be some Hindu minority sects ( from the thousands) who suggest that beef is good to eat, I don’t think that it is smart and fair for you to suggest that its ok for all Hindus to do the same.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Abdul Kahar the self-proclaimed Malay Prophet gets 10 years jail + six strokes of the rotan and fined RM16.5K for conducting “deviationist teachings, blasphemy and spreading false beliefs”. Kinda harsh sentence for someone I thought who was just a little delusional. A little logical banter or better still designer drugs would have changed his mind. Anyway, I guess our courts house a bunch of serious lots – who saw a man with tiny bit of followers as a “threat to the security of the religion, society and nation”.Okay, putting this era aside, who was the Malay Prophet? Was there a Malay Prophet? Yes, according to the Quran. In fact according to the Quran there were Chinese Prophets, Indian Prophets, Caucasian Prophets, Red Indian Prophets, Afrikan Prophets, and many more all across the world, all through time.

The Quran says,

“To every people (was sent) an apostle: when their apostle comes (before them), the matter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged” (Quran 10:47)

And,

“ Verily We have sent thee in truth, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner: and there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them (in the past)”.(Quran 35:24)

Ever since I discovered the above Quranic ayats, I have been on the lookout for all those apostles. Was Thiruvalluvar the Tamilian sage who wrote the Thirukkural an apostle? How about the Buddha? Lao Tze? Mani of Persia?

Who were the other apostles not mentioned in the Quran since the Quran only named apostles from the Semitic branch. The Quran says,

“And as [We inspired other] apostles whom We have mentioned to thee ere this, [179] as well as apostles whom We have not mentioned to thee; and as God spoke His word unto Moses”. (Quran 4:164)

And,

“And, indeed, We sent forth apostles before thy time; some of them We have mentioned to thee, and some of them We have not mentioned to thee …” (Quran 40:78)

In fact according to the Quran, anyone who does not accept even one of the messengers named or unnamed, ceased being a believer.

The Quran says,

“Those who deny Allah and His apostles, and (those who) wish to separate Allah from His apostles, saying: "We believe in some but reject others": And (those who) wish to take a course midway They are in truth (equally) unbelievers; and we have prepared for unbelievers a humiliating punishment, To those who believe in Allah and His apostles and make no distinction between any of the apostles, we shall soon give their (due) rewards: for Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful - (Quran 4 : 150-153)

So who were the Chinese apostles? Indians? Caucasians?Afrikans …..? As for the Malay Prophet, I think he or she could have been the person who brought us the Peribahasa Melayu :)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

An anonymous writer posted this comment to my previous blogpost. I have always have strong convictions that we are honorable people .... Instead of publishing it as a comment, this warrants a blog post by itself. Thanks Anon, you are cool...Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Today, we all can celebrate BN, PR and Non-Partisa...": peace brosorry for my rude comment Publish this comment. Reject this comment. Moderate comments for this blog. Posted by Anonymous to anas zubedy at October 22, 2009 10:42 AM

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I want to post all Anonymous comments even if you disagree with me as long as …. As a marketing man I have been trained to appreciate positive and negative feedback, comments and suggestions from anonymous individuals exceedingly. Feedback in the positives or negatives is good mirrors that I can use to reflect. I usually suspend my judgment and consider your perception .

I respect your need to remain anonymous. I see that you must have a good reason.

Whether your intention is good or bad is beyond my capacity to decide. I don’t play God (May I suggest you do the same). Even if your intentions are bad, you may have good grounds – at least in your own eyes. In truth, the fact that you took the trouble to feedback shows that you have passion to make the world a better place and add value. You took the trouble because you cared about what I think, what I do and I thank you.

I take the stand that there are not many BAD people in the world, but many may simply be unaware. Sometimes humans are bad not because they are terrible but because they do not know. It’s hard to be angry with people who make uninformed decisions because they lack information and understanding.

For example, I see those cow-head protesters some time ago as belonging to this group. While our anger drives us to take them to court, a more spiritual and God-Conscious approach is to help them see the light and be remorseful. We need to trigger their hearts and show how wrongful and hurtful they were to the offended party, apologize, repent and get them to take action that will help them really change. Perhaps getting them to care, clean and feed cows for 6 months will be wise.

You see, I am a pure liberal. I will accept you even if you pray to Satan! I may not agree with your behavior and your stand; may talk you into changing your mind, but I can accept you as a person. My conviction is that since everything is God- Made and since God is All-Good, nothing can be all bad, including Satan.

I will only agree or disagree with your ‘choices’ because that is the only difference between us humans and the rest of God’s creation. We are given the capacity to have a ‘WILL’ and ‘MAKE CHOICES’. So, when we ‘MAKE CHOICES’ we are using God’s best gift to us. How could I fault you at that?

The rest of creation is on automatic setting and behave as they do by default – Satan included. This is my world-view shaped by The Quran (check Quran chapter 2:30 and other conceptual framework about Adam). If you have a differing world-view, we can agree to disagree :).

I want to post all Anonymous comments even if you disagree with me. Can we have a general contract about Anonymous comments?

Here are my suggestions:

MUST HAVES

No profanity please! It’s unfortunate, some of you gave some real fantastic comments but I cannot post them because of bad language. It was not your disagreement with me that stops me from allowing them to appear, it was the vulgarity.

Nothing seditious.

NICE TO HAVES

Don’t play God - or pretend we can read people’s mind and hearts. Practice the act of ‘doubting yourself’. Only the strong can and are willing to do that.

Don’t make sweeping statements like ‘All Malays are lazy” or “All Chinese are rich,” or “All Indians cannot be trusted”, etc.

Know the difference between a fact and an opinion – Facts must have adequate empirical information to back it up; your opinion is an emotional stand.

Thank you for your support and kind words. I have received many Smses, emails and facebook support since this morning – with reference to The Star coverage.Honestly, I have strong convictions that our effort to promote Hari Malaysia and Unity have played some role in creating better awareness of the special date to a segment of the Malaysian rakyat especially readers of The Star.

However, the political developments the last couple of years played a big role in creating an urgency to make the date prominent; namely the growing importance of our brother and sister Sabahans and Sarawakians in terms of voter support, PR’s 916 campaign last year, the launch of 1Malaysia by PM Najib and the deep sense of wanting to unite and be One amongst ordinary Malaysians like you and I.

I am glad that this move forward towards Unity via making Hari Malaysia a prominent day, equal to Hari Merdeka is the effort of many and no one party can claim monopoly. We all did it, we all can be proud. BN, PR and non-partisan Malaysians too – this day belong to all of us regardless of race, religion, location or background.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Yes! The BN Government has accorded September 16th a public holiday. Such a move will definitely create awareness to Malaysians the importance of Malaysia Day. Zubedy has since 1996 been selling the idea of making Malaysia Day a special day for all of us Malaysians. Since 2001 we have been taking full page adverts in The Star newpaper explaining why we need to pay attention to the date.Here are three examples of the advertising message.

2003 Ad31st of August, Hari Merdeka, was the day we lowered the Union Jack and became independent in 1957. Hari Malaysia on the 16th of September was the day Malaysia was born; when Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore became one nation in 1963. (Singapore seceded in 1965)

On Hari Merdeka three major races came together. The Malays opened their hearts and shared what was then called Tanah Melayu with the Chinese, Indians, and others. Chinese and Indians ended citizenship with their homeland for a new home. This act of unity and integration was more than just extraordinary, it was a miracle.

Hari Malaysia marks a recognition that together with Sabah and Sarawak, we will be stronger as we leap forward.

As citizens of a multi-racial nation, we have a universal orientation and can take center stage in leading the world. After all, Malaysians should fare better compared to citizens from a homogenous society, we have much experience in cooperating and working together within different cultures. The celebration of Hari Malaysia serves as a reminder of our unique past, present, and future, and how special our nation is.

To paraphrase the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee in his song Getaran Jiwa, "Sedarlah kamu wahai insan, andai dipisah lagu dan irama, lemah tiada berjiwa, hampa," The many races of Malaysia are like parts of the body and soul, disunited, we are weak, the key to our strength and success is unity and oneness.

Let us add valueHave a meaningful Hari Malaysia.2006 AdImagine you and I... changing the world for the better.

Tomorrow is September 16th 2006, Hari Malaysia, our nation's 43rd birthday. Each year we make history showcasing to the world our unity and capacity to live in peace in diversity.

Our history is unique and something to be proud of. We practice peaceful living on a daily basis. Not just the usual 'kongsi raya' sharing of power and wealth, but the willingness and ability to share our ways of life - our day to day living. Just visit a 'mamak' stall and see for yourself; we live harmoniously, in a multicultural world.

Our record of give and take makes us ideal leaders. Imagine guiding the world to appreciate diversity in all its richness, to see colors not as differences but as a way to recognize and love one another.

We lead not with sophisticated technology, economic power or military might, but by showing how to share and unite the most important of all resources, the Human Spirit. The force that is within all people. Potentially, it lies within the hearts and minds of six and a half billion fellow humans on this planet.

The late Mak Minah through her soulful songs called for the awakening of the Human Spirit. While we have Many Hearts, we share One Spirit.

Imagine you and I... changing the world for the better.

Let us add value,Have a meaningful Hari Malaysia2007 AdThis Sunday September 16th 2007 marks the forty-fourth year Sabah, Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya became Malaysia. Let us take a moment to reflect and search deep within ourselves. How far have we progressed as a nation, as Bangsa Malaysia? Are we moving towards stronger unity? Do we understand and trust each other better today, or are we getting suspicious of each other’s intentions? Are we moving forward?

What does a Malaysian look like and what is his psyche? Does she see herself as a Malaysian, or is she first a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Eurasian, or Iban? Or is he foremost a child of the universe, a human being bonded to others as one of God’s children, superseding artificial boundaries of ethnicity, geography, history and nationalities?

The ideal Malaysian is guided by shared values and is universal in outlook. At the core, a Bangsa Malaysia believes that Malaysians are one people. We absorb the best of each other's cultures and make them our own. We gain from every interaction, expand and grow, becoming better people as we learn to live and thrive alongside our fellow citizens.

A true Malaysian makes the right decision through a sense of balance and fairness. When a Bangsa Malaysia makes a decision he considers the needs of all because he knows he is part of a whole.

Unity must replace race as our consciousness and belief system. We must become more aware, understand and accept that multiplicity is God’s gift. We must see unity in diversity and learn to love all because when we dislike the other, we dislike part of nature.

There are many languages, the goal is to communicate. We have many hearts, but one spirit. There are many lamps, but only one light. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable, 'Bersatu Teguh, Bercerai Roboh'

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A man who knew how to empathize especially with the common people and women- Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (1879-1973)

Have a meaningful DeepavaliWhat Malaysians Want:Empathy for One Another

Empathy is the ability to understand, be aware of and sensitive to, what others are feeling; to identify completely with the other. It is the capacity to imagine what the other is going through, sometimes to the point of responding physically. It is being in the other's shoes.

When we can feel what the other is feeling, we appreciate and value the other. We are connected and united.

Malaysians want empathy for one another because we want connection and union with our fellow brother and sister Malaysians so that we may prosper and grow from strength to strength as a nation.

Even when or perhaps, especially when, the other is practicing something you dislike; you can still have and show empathy because he or she is a real person with feelings and you honour that fact. For example, we can argue that smoking is a bad habit and should be banned, however, the reality is there are smokers and they have the right to smoke and should be able to in designated areas, without having to hide in corners like criminals. They should be able to smoke with ease.

Many eating establishments do not serve pork in respect of Muslims but they serve beef with disregard to Hindus. As a rule, non-Muslims should not serve pork and non-Hindus should not serve beef when one or the other is present. At the very least non-Hindus should show some awareness and sensitivity to the Hindu belief and feelings towards cows.

When you are in group, be mindful that you speak in a language everybody understands and offer explanations to members who do not speak the language.

When in a mosque or gurdwara or during community activities, be mindful of dress codes. At the same time when out in town accept others who dress differently even if you think the dressing is less than modest, understand that the other’s need for comfort and expression is different from yours and learn to tolerate it. We are all here in this great nation and we all want and need to thrive.

We Malaysians accept traffic disruptions during special events like Thaipusam, Hungry Ghosts festival, St Anne's day and Maulud Nabi. We understand the need to double and triple park during Friday prayers and Sunday church. Muslims and non-Muslims agree to and are accustomed to the azan and temple bells.

However when we blast ceramahs after maghrib prayers on loudspeakers, we are not empathizing with Muslim and non-Muslim students who need to study and are doing their homework. We are not showing compassion for households trying to settle down for the evening, who are wrapping up the day to rest for tomorrow. Let’s have ceramahs for the ears of mosque attendees and not broadcasted to the general public, let’s understand and empathize with the needs of the community as a whole.

Acceptance, tolerance, compassion and understanding, these are the hallmarks of empathy, the keys to connection and unity. We Malaysians want empathy for one another so that we may love and care for our fellow brother and sister Malaysians and prosper and progress as a nation.

About Me

Born in Penang, speaks English, Malay, Hokkien & some Tamil. Managing Director and founder of zubedy (m) sdn bhd. Graduated from University Malaya and was in marketing for a multinational before setting up zubedy in 94. www.zubedy.com

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Copyright

No part of this blog should be used for commercial purpose. Any party may reproduce or quote materials published with the condition that they are credited to letusaddvalue.blogspot.com thanks, anas

#NoFreeRides

A promise made in 2001

I intend to ADD VALUE to everyone and anything that I come to interact with and make the world a better place.

As this is an unending journey, I will never achieve my dreams … not in their fullest form. They are too far away in the idealistic world... but,

" The quest of truth will set you free, even if you never catch up with it".

I am one of those dreamers who have found a practical formula of living for today (compartmentalization) and try to achieve parts of my dreams a moment at a time, part by part. It is okay to die without achieving all the lofty dreams, as the spirit will be passed on to others, who are dreamers too.

I also plan to be rich, very rich! Not for the money but for the use of money as a platform to help me achieve my ideals. God willing, you will see advertisements in the near future communicating universal values and spirituality by ZUBEDY the Brand. (check out http://www.zubedy.com/) Encourage schools and libraries and sponsor the poor's basic needs of food, shelter and education.

I hope to live to a century or two with healthy living, modern medicine and God's permission. Lead a full life, have many children. But not necessarily sired by me. Travel the world to witness God's creation and be at awe with the creativity that greets us wherever and whenever we turn. I want to smell all the fragrance in the world be it the stink of the squatters in Mumbai or the pleasing scent of devotional flowers at a Balinese lebaran.

And to know that each experience has a purpose which is to ADD VALUE to the living, the dead and the unborn.

Children of Indonesia

Taken on the way to Puncak

Children of Bario

On the way to the only working phone line!

Children of Sabah

On the way to Mersilau

Children of Cambodia

At Angkor Thom

Children of Penang

At Pak Ali's house

Children of the zubedys

my nephews and nieces

Beautiful Women Series

One

Beautiful Women Series

Two

Beautiful Women Series

Three

Beautiful Women Series

Four

Beautiful Women Series

Five

Beautiful Women Series

Six

Let us learn about each other's religion, culture and way of life

We know too little about each other’s traditions, way of life and beliefs.

In fact many amongst us may not even know about our own spiritual traditions, scripture and core religious foundation. Most times we delegate our thinking to our religious teachers and later complain about how they go about doing their job.